On the division of short-term and working memory: An examination of simple and complex span and their relation to higher order abilities.
Abstract
Research has suggested that short-term memory and working memory (as measured by simple and complex span tasks, respectively) are separate constructs that are differentially related to higher order cognitive abilities. This claim is critically evaluated by reviewing research that has compared simple and complex span tasks in both experimental and correlational studies. In addition, a meta-analysis and re-analyses of key data sets were conducted. The review and analyses suggest that simple and complex span tasks largely measure the same basic subcomponent processes (e.g., rehearsal, maintenance, updating, controlled search) but differ in the extent to which these processes operate in a particular task. These differences largely depend on the extent to which phonological processes are maximized and variability from long list lengths is present. Potential methodological, psychometric, and assessment implications are discussed and a theoretical account of the data is proposed.
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Simple and complex spans can be considered measures of the same cognitive processes.
“it has been argued that simple and complex spans (the latter ones being included both in previous metaanalyses and the present one) can in fact be considered as measures of the same cognitive processes (Unsworth & Engle, 2007).”
From Working memory training revisited: A multi-level meta-analysis of n-back training studies (2017) · cites this paper as Unsworth & Engle, 2007
The measures used in prior studies might not be sensitive enough to detect small changes induced by experimental manipulations in young, healthy subjects.
“These measures might not be sensitive enough to detect small changes induced by experimental manipulations in young, healthy subjects [38], [39], [40].”
From Dose-dependent effects of endotoxin on neurobehavioral functions in humans (2011) · cites this paper as [39]
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- Authors
- Unsworth, N., & Engle, R. W.
- Affiliations
- Georgia Institute of Technology (US)
- ORCID
- Engle, Randall W.
- Venue
- Psychological Bulletin
- Published
- 2007
- Volume
- 133
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1038-1066
- ISSN
- 0033-2909 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-1455
- OpenAlex
- W2103685082
- Cited by
- 597
- References
- 11
- Citations by year
- 2026: 16 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 34 · 2020: 36 · 2019: 30 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 36 · 2016: 36 · 2015: 37 · 2014: 45 · 2013: 38 · 2012: 35
- FWCI
- 36.68
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Psychological Bulletin (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
- Keywords
- short-term memory, working memory, complex span, rehearsal, maintenance, updating, phonological processes, list length
- MeSH terms
- Humans, Memory, Short-Term, Phonetics, Retention, Psychology, Vocabulary
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